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Elkhart council extends ERA for 3rd Coast Commodities to Dec. 31, 2028
Summary
The Elkhart Common Council voted to extend an economic revitalization area (ERA) for 3rd Coast Commodities after hearing that water and sewer infrastructure problems and rising contractor costs delayed the company's project; the extension passed by roll call. Company and staff said construction remains contingent on completing mainline utilities.
On July 14, 2026, the Elkhart Common Council voted to extend the expiration date of the economic revitalization area granted to 3rd Coast Commodities LLC and Evergreen Greece Enterprises LLC until Dec. 31, 2028.
Drew Wines, economic development staff (speaker 5), told the council the company was approved for a seven‑year real and five‑year personal property tax phase‑in in 2024 and projects roughly $1,500,000 in personal property investment and 50 new jobs with an average salary of $58,240. He said the ERA had not been activated because the project had not started and staff recommended an extension to allow time to complete the work.
Paul Dickerson (speaker 9), the owner and CEO of 3rd Coast Commodities, described the primary barrier: the municipal water and sewer main currently stops about 500 yards from the property. He said an engineer's estimate the company received early in planning was far higher than initial figures, and subsequent contractor bids for the required utility work ranged from about $1.5 million to $4 million, driving up total project cost estimates. "Without city water and sewer, I can't do a lot with the business," Dickerson said.
Mike Huber, development services director (speaker 8), told the council the project simply had not started and that staff viewed an extension as a simpler path than terminating the existing abatement and reissuing a new one. Council members asked whether granting an extension would create a precedent; several said it was reasonable here because the company had already invested in site work and rail upgrades.
After brief public comment (none spoke), Councilman Henke moved to adopt the extension and Mr. Micheler seconded. The council conducted a roll‑call vote and the motion carried (recorded as 6–0).
The extension preserves the company's ERA while company representatives and staff work to secure the utility connections that they said are necessary for full operations. The council directed that the matter will be monitored and that the company may appear again at the July 27 meeting for further review if needed.
